Santa Clara Hosts First Northern California Appearance of Unique 1787 Brasher Doubloon

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March 2, 2005, Santa Clara, CA – The legendary Brasher doubloon, the first gold coin made for the young United States, will be publicly exhibited for the first time in Northern California during the Santa Clara Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo, March 31 – April 3, 2005, in the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway.

The coin was hand-struck in 1787 by George Washington’s New York City neighbor, gold and silversmith Ephraim Brasher whose countermark, “EB,” prominently is punched on the eagle’s breast. The historic coin was purchased earlier this year for nearly $3 million by Steven L. Contursi, President of Rare Coin Wholesalers, and Donald Kagin, and now is insured for $6 million.

“This will be the first opportunity for the public in the Bay area to see the coin in person,” said Ronald J. Gillio, Expo General Chairman. “It will be displayed during the first three days of the show, Thursday to Saturday.”

eBay, a co-sponsor of the Santa Clara Expo, will present two educational seminars for collectors and dealers, “Buying & Selling on eBay,” conducted by Troy Thoreson. He will present the seminars at Noon on both Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2.

“Numismatic Guaranty Corporation again will offer on-site grading services at Santa Clara, and representatives of the United States Mint’s San Francisco branch will attend to meet with collectors and sell proof sets and other Mint products,” said Gillio.

Superior Galleries of Beverly Hills, California will conduct a public auction during the show featuring The Las Vegas Collection Part III. A children’s treasure hunt will be conducted between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, April 2, and a gold coin door prize will be awarded each day of the four-day show.

Public hours are Thursday, March 31, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $4 (good for all four days). Free parking is available at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway.

The Expo is co-sponsored by the Cupertino Coin Club.

For additional information about the Santa Clara Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo, contact Expos Unlimited, 1103 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Phone: Prior to March 29, (805) 962-9939; March 30 – April 3 call (408) 748-7055. Web: www.SantaClaraExpo.com.

News media contacts:
Ronald J. Gillio, (805) 962-9939
Donn Pearlman, (702) 868-5777

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